Continuing on from last week's blog post, we go from the worst to better (or best). Active ingredients in today's skincare products help fortify and revive the skin’s surface, supplying long-lasting infusions of hydration.
The following are some active skincare ingredients to look for that are beneficial to the skin.
1. Alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs)
Creams and lotions with alpha-hydroxy acids may help with irregular pigmentation, fine lines, and age spots, and may help shrink enlarged pores. To allow your skin to get used to alpha-hydroxy acids, initially apply the skincare product every other day, gradually working up to daily application. (Euro Clinicals Glycagel)
2. Beta-hydroxy acid (salicylic acid)
Salicylic acid eliminates dead skin and can improve the texture and color of sun-damaged skin. It penetrates oil-laden hair follicle openings and, as a result, also benefits blemish prone skin. There are many skin care products available that have salicylic acid. (Euro Botanicals AHA/BHA Cleanser)
3. Kojic Acid
Kojic acid is also is a therapy for the treatment of pigment problems and age spots. Recent studies have shown that it is effective as a lightening agent, slowing production of melanin (brown pigment). (Euro Botanicals Lightening Serum)
4. Retinol
This is derived from vitamin A and is found in many over-the-counter “anti-aging” skin care products. Retinol is proven to improve mottled pigmentation, wrinkles and fine lines, skin texture, skin tone and color, and your skin's hydration levels. Retinyl palmitate is another ingredient linked to retinol, but is less potent. (Euro Botanicals Vitamin A Creme)
5. L-Ascorbic Acid
L-Ascorbic Acid is the only form of vitamin C that you should look for in your skincare products. With age and sun exposure, collagen synthesis in the skin deteriorates, leading to wrinkles. Vitamin C is the only antioxidant proven to stimulate the synthesis of collagen, reducing fine lines, scars, and wrinkles. (Euro Botanicals Vitamin C Serum)
6. Hyaluronic Acid
Hyaluronic acid is known for its capability to "reverse" or stop aging. Hyaluronic acid is a component of the body's connective tissues and is known to cushion the skin. As you age hyaluronic acid diminishes in the skin. Smoking and diet can also affect your body's level of hyaluronic acid over time. Skin care products with hyaluronic acid are most often used to help increase hydration levels in the skin. (Euro Botanicals Hyaluronic Acid Serum)
7. Copper peptide
Copper peptide supports collagen and elastin production, acts as an antioxidant, and promotes the production of glycosaminoglycans (think hyaluronic acid, as an example). Studies have also shown that copper-dependent enzymes raise the benefits of the body's natural tissue-building processes. This helps to smooth, firm, and soften the skin, doing it in less time than most other anti-aging skin care products. (Advanced Peptide Mask)
8. Alpha-Lipoic Acid
Alpha-Lipoic Acid is an ultra-potent antioxidant that helps fight future skin damage and helps repair past damage. Alpha-lipoic acid has been named a "universal antioxidant" because it's soluble in both water and oil, which permits its entrance to all parts of the cell. Alpha-lipoic acid reduces fine lines, gives skin a healthy glow, and boosts levels of other antioxidants, such as vitamin C. (Advanced Moisture Creme)
9. DMAE (dimethylaminoethanol)
This substance is naturally formed in the brain, but DMAE is also present in anchovies, salmon, and sardines. DMAE increases the production of acetylcholine, which is important for proper mental functions. DMAE in skin care products shows amazing effects when applied topically to skin, resulting in the reduction of wrinkles and fine lines.